Easy hikes and walks in Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen

The Vinderhoutse Bossen, like the Parkbos, the Gentbrugse Meersen, the Wonderwoud, and the Bourgoyen - Ossemeersen - Blaarmeersen - Sneppemeersen area, is considered one of Ghent's five green hubs. It is still in full development. A total of approximately 155 hectares of additional forest have been and are being planted in various phases. The entire project area covers over 640 hectares across the territories of Ghent (the municipalities of Mariakerke and Drongen) and Lievegem (the municipality of Vinderhoute). The Vinderhoutse Bossen green hub has three gateways that serve as starting points for your visit: the Campagne (Drongen), Claeys-Boúúaert Park (Mariakerke), and Leeuwenhof (Drongen, here). These three gateways are connected by a walking network. Source: natuurenbos.be

From Beekstraat, you can walk along a gravel path past the moated farm 'Rijckhof' to the Lieve River. The landscape teeters between open meadow and forest. Once you cross the Lieve, you enter the Vinderhout woods, where the gravel gives way to an unpaved forest path.

The Rijckhof now houses Kunstavontuur, an organization that organizes art classes and camps for children. See: kunstavontuur.com

This moated farm, Rijckhof, is also sometimes called "Oostgavere." The house probably dates from the second half of the 18th century. Note the window shutters: they have a heart-shaped light opening. The stable with a large gate leaning to the left of the house dates from 1931. The dovecote in the orchard also dates from the same year. The dovecote is located on the floor above the stable and later served as a hayloft. A small bakehouse has been added behind the house. Source: Heritage Inventory

The Leeuwenhof domain is not located in the city centre at all, as suggested here, but is located about 5 km west of the historic city centre. It is one of the 3 official access zones to the green pool Vinderhoutse Bossen. In addition to a pond with a seating platform, you will find many valuable grasslands, old trees, an orchard and natural play stimuli here. In the north, the domain connects to the valuable historic forest core of the Vinderhoutse Bossen. You can start here or join one of the 5 walking routes through the green pool. Source: stad.gent

A true hiking paradise. Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is famous for its rich bird population and is an important bird reserve. While hiking, you can spot various bird species, especially in the winter months, when the area is a refuge for numerous migratory birds. Species that you can encounter include grey herons, ducks, sea eagles and birds of prey such as the hawk and buzzard. In spring and summer, the area is also rich in breeding birds, such as the redstart and the common teal.

The Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Urban Nature Reserve in Ghent is a vast and water-rich nature reserve, ideal for nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This unique marshland offers a beautiful landscape of grasslands, reed beds and ponds, where numerous water birds breed and forage. With well-maintained hiking trails and viewpoints, it is a wonderful place to walk and spot birds, in the middle of nature.

The pond at Residence Het Leeuwenhof in Ghent offers a serene green oasis in the middle of the city. Surrounded by trees and lawns, the water surface reflects the peaceful character of the surroundings.